3rd degree tear. How are you delivering your baby?

I found out this morning that I have a choice between ‘natural’ and elective section after the 3rd degree tear I had with my little boy 20 months ago.

It’s completely messed with my head as I thought i didn’t have a choice.

I’m terrified of giving birth again incase I tear again and it causes problems, but on the other hand I don’t know how I will cope looking after the baby and a toddler while I’m recovering from a section.

Comments (16)

I had 3rd degree and internally aswell, I’ve decided to go natural. I’ve been checked over by a surgeon who said I’m fine down there to go natural but it was my choice. But baby is currently breach so I may not get the choice for that reason. I healed quickly from my tear and I don’t think it would be that quick if I had a csection. Xx

I had a 3rd degree 5 years ago. Saw consultant last week and basically discussed the risks. I am determined that a c-section is last resort for me, as i felt first time round. Its a 10% chance of reoccurence. But we can hope that baby isn't distressed this time and so its not so much of a rush. To have slower pushing stage. Possibly get epesiotomy or they will stretch the area. And also if baby looks to be going over 9lb and a bigger baby to possibly be induced a little earlier just so that it again minimises the risk of reoccurence. All wait and see, hope for the best. With my daughter i tore because she had a fist up on her cheek and pushing stage was less then 20mins.

For me a c-section would be a big avoidance as i don't heal well, allergic to dressing and most pain meds, prone to infections. A major operation is just not my preference, but if its necessary then of course ill have one.

I wasn't given an option, was explained the risks of it happening again how to help prevent it happening again and that was it. Personally if they offered I'd go natural, but I haven't had any issues since having the tear, I had more with the 2nd degree tear I had with my first than the 3rd degree tear I had last time. This is my last baby and I'd really like to give birth to her in the same way I did with my boys, just my personal preference though

Have u had any problems following your tear? And is your consultant happy that there aren’t any contraindications to vagina birth this time following repair?
Having been through it myself I completely understand being worried about having another tear and having long term problems from that. Having said that I also would probably worry more about having major surgery and looking after a toddler. I myself have opted for vaginal birth specifically a water birth as there is research to suggest this can help with tears.
The risk of having a subsequent third degree tear is around 5% however there are things u can do to help prevent. Antenatal Perineal massage being one of them. Have u looked at this at all?

Have u had any problems following your tear? And is your consultant happy tha...

Posted
25/04/2018

Have u had any problems following your tear? And is your consultant happy that there aren’t any contraindications to vagina birth this time following repair?
Having been through it myself I completely understand being worried about having another tear and having long term problems from that. Having said that I also would probably worry more about having major surgery and looking after a toddler. I myself have opted for vaginal birth specifically a water birth as there is research to suggest this can help with tears.
The risk of having a subsequent third degree tear is around 5% however there are things u can do to help prevent. Antenatal Perineal massage being one of them. Have u looked at this at all?
Hope that helps xxx

No I wouldn’t say Iv had any problems. I never had a follow up appointment though so my area hasn’t been ‘checked’ since my little boy.

I had a little look at perineal massage but quite sure how to do it. I have a midwife app tomorrow so will ask her what tips she has xx

I had a severe third degree with #1 and then barely a second degree with #2 and it was nothing really. Your body is more used to it the second time I think. I’m pregnant with #3, hopefully it will be even less or nothing at all this time.

35 weeks pregnant

Your baby now weighs about 2.4kg and measures around 46cm from head to toe. Soon, as the wall of your uterus (womb) and your belly stretch thinner and let in more light, your baby will begin to develop daily activity cycles. Read More

36 weeks pregnant

Your baby is still gaining weight – about 28g a day. She weighs nearly 2.7kg and is about 47cm long from head to toe. You may begin to feel an increased pressure in your lower belly and notice that your baby is gradually dropping. Read More

You are passing a message to a BabyCentre staff member.
For the fastest help on community guidelines violations, please click 'Report this' on the item you wish the staff to review.
For general help please read our Help section or contact us.